What do you want to be when you grow up?

Parents, stop asking your kids what they want to be when they grow up. That question is almost meaningless in a world where jobs change faster than we can imagine. Ten years ago, many of the careers your children are now aiming for didn’t exist—and in the next decade, many of today’s jobs will vanish. The real question isn’t what they want. It’s what they are naturally equipped to do well.

In the coming decades, the job landscape will look very different from today. Careers that exist now will no longer be around in the near future. At the same time, trades, practical skills, and human-focused roles will be in high demand. Electricians, plumbers, construction specialists, trades teachers, life coaches, and energy-efficiency experts are just a few examples. And beyond trades, careers that combine people skills, problem-solving, and organizational abilities—project management, healthcare coordination, athletic operations, entrepreneurship, and business management—will thrive.

The key for parents is to recognize and nurture their child’s natural strengths. This isn’t about forcing them into boxes they “like,” but helping them develop what they are actually good at. A child who instinctively takes charge of a group of peers may excel in leadership or management. Encourage them to lead Scouts, volunteer teams, or school projects. A kid who naturally tinkers with things, taking apart a bike or building a small project, may be cut out for trades, engineering, or robotics. These are strengths that can turn into rewarding, well-paying careers.

It’s also essential to involve children in activities that mirror their strengths rather than over-focusing on shoring up weaknesses. While tutoring a child in math or reading is important, these sessions shouldn’t dominate their free time. If your child is socially skilled and organized, allow them to lead clubs, mentor peers, or coordinate small events. These experiences can develop abilities that last a lifetime. For example, I struggled with reading and comprehension growing up. My parents and school spent countless hours tutoring me, and I learned enough to get by—but I never became a strong reader. Instead, I thrive through research, online learning, and visual instruction. Had my extracurricular time been focused more on my natural strengths, like people skills and management, I likely would have developed even greater abilities in areas where I excel.

Children with an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration benefit from sports, not because they’ll become professional athletes, but because sports teach leadership, discipline, and coordination. These lessons translate directly into careers in team operations, athletic management, coaching, or supporting professional sports organizations. Likewise, children who naturally engage in problem-solving or entrepreneurship should be encouraged to run small ventures, manage online retail projects, or develop innovative solutions for real-world problems.

Children who love experimentation, building, and inventing can thrive in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics-related fields, as well as in engineering, product development, or energy-efficiency projects. Those with strong public speaking or persuasive skills can succeed in law, advocacy, media, or sales. Children who excel at managing money, analyzing systems, or spotting opportunities may find fulfillment in finance, product development, online retail, or sales roles. Empathetic and attentive children may find meaningful work in counseling, healthcare, or community service.

Parents should also recognize the value of curiosity, creativity, and persistence. College degrees will remain important for many, but trades and practical skills will be invaluable—sometimes more so than academic credentials. Parents should encourage their children to explore a variety of experiences, from summer camps and clubs to volunteering and apprenticeships. These activities build interpersonal skills, resilience, and real-world competence.

Equally important is teaching children adaptability. Skills that are valuable today may shift or evolve tomorrow, and the ability to learn, adjust, and pivot will be critical. Encourage kids to embrace new technologies, explore different roles, and be open to change rather than fearing it. For example, a child who excels at managing a small school project or running a lemonade stand can be guided to experiment with online sales, coding a simple app, or learning digital marketing. Children who develop flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to grow alongside the evolving workforce will be far better prepared to thrive in careers that may not even exist yet. Adaptability isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset that ensures your child can navigate a world where the only constant is change.

So, parents, don’t just follow your child’s likes or hobbies. Watch what they excel at, guide them toward experiences that strengthen those abilities, and give them the tools to succeed in a world that rewards skills, not fantasies. Focus on their strengths, build practical skills, and open doors to meaningful experiences—and you’ll give them the best chance to thrive in a future full of uncertainty, opportunity, and growth.